Method for displaying user interface in accordance with device connection

ABSTRACT

A user interface is controlled to support a user using an image processing apparatus which can perform a task, for example, for storing image data obtained by a scanner in a memory or printing the image by a printer. In a display apparatus which can display a user interface including operation items, a user&#39;s intention is estimated, and an operation by the user for specifying a task is supported. For example, statuses of an image input unit and an image accept unit relating to execution of the task are monitored, and display forms of the operation items are varied in accordance with results of the monitoring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/853,625 filed Aug. 10, 2010, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/460,906 filed Jul. 28, 2006, which was issuedSep. 21, 2010 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,187; which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2005-248197 filed Aug. 29, 2005, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus and a displaymethod for displaying a user interface used for generating aninstruction to an image processing apparatus which can perform apredetermined task on the basis of an operation by the user.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, a multifunction peripheral device (MFP), which is basedon, for example, a copying machine and can perform a plurality offunctions, can implement not only a single function task such as copy,facsimile, print or box storage but also provide new functions in whichthese single functions are associated with each other. Further, thesenew functions can be remarkably complicated.

With such complicated functions, there is a problem that a user needs alarge amount of effort to find and select processing to be performed bythe multifunction peripheral (hereinafter, the processing is referred toas a “task”).

A supporting technique for performing such a task includes, for example,a technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.10-240818. This technique can facilitate reducing an operation burden ona user for performing suitable processing such as a schedule managementor the like corresponding to input information. More specifically, arequired job can be processed by a suitable apparatus in accordance withtime.

In the above-described operation environment, the supporting techniquefor selecting a task further includes a searching method (1) and aclassification indication method (2) which are performed via a userinterface on a display apparatus.

In the searching method (1), a user enters a character stringcorresponding to a desired task to cause the display apparatus todisplay an operation item for generating an instruction to perform thetask. When a complicated task in which a plurality of tasks is combinedis searched for, the needed task can be selected by gradually performingsearching operations. Thus, the searching method is effective even foran inexperienced user. However, even when a simple task is searched for,a similar searching operation is required. Therefore, the operation isnot always simple depending on tasks to be searched for.

In the classification indication method (2), tasks are grouped for everytype and hierarchized for every detailed function. A user proceeds withoperations gradually in such a manner as to select a group and, then,select a detailed function. In this case, the user needs to assign aclassification to each task in advance. Therefore, the user cannoteasily use the interface until the user recognizes the classification.Thus, it is not an intuitive operation environment. As the number offunctions is increased, the classification becomes more complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary feature of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and a display control method in which the above-describeddrawbacks are at least mitigated.

Another exemplary feature of the present invention is to provide adisplay apparatus and a display control method which can facilitateeasily performing an operation for executing a task.

Still another exemplary feature of the present invention is to provide adisplay apparatus and a display control method which can estimate a taskdesired by a user and vary a display mode accordingly.

The above-described features and further features of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of main units of anMFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a hardwareconfiguration of a scanner and a printer of the MFP according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a detailed configuration of an operationunit of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 to 9 are views illustrating examples of an operationscreen displayed on an operation unit according to the first embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an example of a priority determinationtable according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a display control processing according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of a priority determination tableaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of schedule information accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of data information according tothe second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an example of an operation screendisplayed on an operation unit according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of a priority determination tableaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a table showing an example of a history informationmanagement table according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example of an operation screendisplayed on an operation unit according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of a priority determination tableaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a table showing an example of an external associationinformation management table according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example of an operation screendisplayed on an operation unit according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an example of an operation screendisplayed on an operation unit according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail belowwith reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of main units of anMFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, an MFP having a plurality of functions is used anddescribed as an example of an image processing apparatus. Thesefunctions include a copy function, a print function, a facsimilefunction, a data transfer function and a data search function.

An MFP 1001 includes a controller unit 2000. The controller unit 2000 isconnected with a scanner 2070 and a printer 2095. The scanner 2070 is animage input device and the printer 2095 is an image output device.Further, the controller unit 2000 is connected with an operation unit2012.

The controller unit 2000 provides control to realize the copy functionfor printing and outputting image data read by the scanner 2070 usingthe printer 2095. In addition to this function, the controller unit 2000provides control to realize the data transfer function for executinginput/output of image data and device information by connecting with anetwork 1006 or a public line 1008 (WAN). Of course, the controller unit2000 provides control to realize the above-described functions, such asthe facsimile function and the like in addition to these two functions.

The controller unit 2000 includes a CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 boots anoperating system (OS) using a boot program stored in a ROM 2003.Further, the CPU 2001 executes an application program stored in a harddisk drive (HDD) 2004 on the OS so as to perform each process. A RAM2002 is used as a work area in which the CPU 2001 performs each process.The RAM 2002 provides not only the work area but also an image memoryarea for temporarily storing image data. The HDD 2004 stores theapplication program and the image data.

The CPU 2001 is connected with an operation unit interface (I/F) 2006, anetwork I/F 2010, a modem 2050, and an image bus I/F 2005 via a systembus 2007, together with the ROM 2003 and the RAM 2002.

The operation unit I/F 2006 is an interface, for example, with anoperation unit 2012 including a touch panel, and outputs image data tothe operation unit 2012. The image data can be displayed on theoperation unit 2012. Further, the operation unit I/F 2006 transfersinformation input via the operation unit 2012 by a user to the CPU 2001.

In addition, as for the operation unit 2012, any type can be used aslong as it can display a user interface which is a screen used for auser to perform an operation. Thus, the operation unit 2012 can beconfigured with a display unit (a liquid crystal display (LCD), acathode-ray tube (CRT), or the like) and an input unit (a keyboard, apointing device, or the like), instead of the touch panel.

The network I/F 2010 is connected with a network 1006, and executesinput/output of information with an external apparatus on the network1006. The modem 2050 is connected with a public line 1008, and executesinput/output of information via the public line 1008.

In addition, more particularly, the network 1006 can be the Internet, aLAN, a WAN, a telephone line, a leased digital line, an ATM, a framerelay line, a communication satellite line, a cable television line, ora wireless line for broadcasting data. Further, the network 1006 can bea so-called communication network realized by combining these lines.Thus, any network can be used as long as it can transfer and receivedata.

An external I/F 2055 can be connected with an external apparatus (aremovable memory, a digital camera, a hard disk, or the like), andexecutes input/output of information with the external apparatus. Forexample, the external apparatus I/F 2055 includes a USB interface, anIEEE1394 interface, or the like.

The image bus I/F 2005 is a bus bridge connecting the system bus 2007with an image bus 2008 for transferring image data at high speeds. Theimage bus I/F 2005 converts a data form of input data. The image bus2008 is configured with, for example, a PCI bus or an IEEE1394 bus. Onthe image bus 2008, a raster image processor (hereinafter, referred toas “RIP”) 2060, a device I/F 2020, a scanner image processing unit 2080,a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotating unit 2030, andan image compressing unit 2040 are provided.

The RIP 2060 is, for example, a processor for rasterizng pagedescription language (PDL) code to a bit map image. The device I/F 2020is connected with the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095. Further, thedevice I/F 2020 performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of imagedata.

The scanner image processing unit 2080 performs various processes withrespect to input image data, such as correcting, processing, and editingthe data. The printer image processing unit 2090 performs variousprocesses with respect to output image data corresponding to the printer2095, such as correcting and converting resolution. The image rotatingunit 2030 performs a rotation of image data. The image compressing unit2040 compresses multi-valued image data to JPEG data, and binary imagedata to compression data such as JBIG, MMR and MH. Further, the imagecompressing unit 2040 performs expansion processing of data.

The hardware configuration of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 ofthe MFP 1001 is described below with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the hardwareconfiguration of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

The scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 are integrally configured asillustrating in FIG. 2. However, the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095can be separately configured and mutually connected via an interface soas to be operated. The scanner 2070 includes a document feeding unit250. The document feeding unit 250 feeds documents sequentially onto aplaten glass 211 one by one from a front page, and discharges thedocuments from the platen glass 211 to a discharge tray (not shown) eachtime a reading operation for each document is completed. The documentfeeding unit 250 includes a sensor for detecting that the document isplaced, and transmits the detected information to the CPU 2001.

When a document is fed onto the platen glass 211, a lamp 212 is lit, anda moving unit 213 starts to move. As the moving unit 213 is moved,reading and scanning of the document on the platen glass 211 areperformed. During the reading and scanning, reflected light from thedocument is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as“CCD”) 218 via mirrors 214, 215, and 216 and a lens 217. Then, an imageof the document is formed on an imaging surface of the CCD 218. The CCD218 converts the image formed on the imaging surface to an electricalsignal. The electrical signal is subjected to predetermined processingand then supplied to a control apparatus (not shown). In addition, thescanner 2070 includes a function for detecting setting of a document bydetecting a light-blocked area when the document is placed on the platenglass 211, in addition to setting of the document by the documentfeeding unit 250.

The printer 2095 includes a laser driver 321. The laser driver 321drives a laser light-emitting unit 322 on the basis of image data inputfrom the control apparatus. Thereby, laser light corresponding to theimage data is emitted from the laser light-emitting unit 322. The laserlight is irradiated onto a photosensitive drum 323 while scanning. Onthe photosensitive drum 323, an electrostatic latent image is formed bythe irradiated laser light. The electrostatic latent image is visualizedas a toner image by a toner fed from a developing unit 324. Insynchronization with irradiation timing of the laser light, a recordingsheet is fed to a part between the photosensitive drum. 323 and atransfer unit 325 via a feeding path from a cassette 311 or 312. Then,the toner image on the photosensitive drum 323 is transferred to the fedrecording sheet by the transfer unit 325.

The recording sheet having the toner image transferred thereon is fed toa pair of fixing rollers (a heating roller and a pressurizing roller)326 via a feeding belt. The pair of fixing rollers 326 heats and pressesthe recording sheet, and fixes the toner image on the recording sheet.After passing through the pair of fixing rollers 326, the recordingsheet is discharged to a discharge unit 330 by a pair of dischargingrollers 327. The discharge unit 330 includes a sheet processingapparatus which can apply post-processing such as sorting and staplingto recording sheets.

Further, when a two-sided recording mode is set, after the recordingsheet is fed to the pair of discharge rollers 327, the rotatingdirection of the pair of discharge rollers 327 is reversed so that therecording sheet is transferred to a paper re-feeding path 339 by aflapper 328. The recording sheet transferred to the paper re-feedingpath 339 is re-fed to a part between the photosensitive drum 323 and thetransfer unit 325 at the above-described timing, and a toner image istransferred to the rear surface of the recording sheet.

In addition, although a laser beam type is used as an example of aprinting type of the printer 2095 in FIG. 2, another printing type suchas an ink-jet type or a thermal transfer type can be used.

A detailed configuration of the operation unit 2012 is described belowwith reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a detailed configuration of the operationunit 2012 of the MFP 1001 according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

An LCD display unit 2013 has a configuration in which a touch panelsheet is stuck on a liquid crystal display. The LCD display unit 2013displays an operation screen (a user interface) for operation by a userof the MFP 1001. Further, when a part of the LCD display unit 2013corresponding to a key displayed on the operation screen is pushed bythe user, the LCD display unit 2013 transmits position information ofthe part to the CPU 2001 of the controller unit 2000. Thereby, the CPU2001 determines which operation the user has performed. A start key 2014is used when the user generates an instruction to start processing suchas a reading operation for a document image.

A two-color (green and red) light-emitting diode (LED) 2018 is providedat the center part of the start key 2014, in which the two colorsindicate whether the start key 2014 can be used or not. A stop key 2015is operated when the user stops an operation. An ID key 2016 is operatedwhen the user enters a user ID or a department ID of the user. A resetkey 2017 is used when the user initializes settings defined via theoperation unit 2012. Further, an authentication device 501 is used whenauthentication processing for accepting/rejecting an access to the MFP1001 is performed. For example, the authentication device 501 includesan input unit for entering a user name, a password, and the like, areading device for reading an authentication card, or a biometricsauthentication device. A user who is operating the MFP 1001 can beidentified by the input from the ID key 2016 or the authentication bythe authentication device 501. Thus, a use environment of the MFP 1001can be set corresponding to the identified user.

Further, a physical key such as a numeric keypad or a button key can beprovided on the operation unit 2012 although it is not illustrated inFIG. 3.

An example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit 2012is described below with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of an operation screendisplayed on the operation unit 2012 according to the first embodimentof the present invention.

The operation screen illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example in which theauthentication is set for an access to the MFP 1001. The MFP 1001 standsby with this operation screen at first when starting. When a user putsan ID card, having user information written thereon, on a device port,the user information is acquired via a wireless communication and isauthenticated by the authentication device 501. After the userinformation is authenticated by the authentication device 501, a topmenu 601 (an initial operation screen) illustrated in FIG. 5 isdisplayed. The top menu can have different modes for respective users.

In addition, the device port in the display in FIG. 4 has a space forputting thereon a device such a digital camera, a cellular phone, or aPDA, in addition to the authentication device 501, and the CPU 2001 canrecognize which device is put on the space. A device type is recognizedby, for example, wireless-communication to a wireless module mounted oneach device for logical connection and acquiring information of thedevice type from the device.

On the top menu 601, keys corresponding to tasks which can be used inthe MFP 1001 are displayed in addition to the user information 602indicating the authenticated user. At this time, a display of a group ofgroups on the top menu 601 is in an initial form. In the initial form, adisplay size of each key is a standard display size (an initial displaysize), and these keys are respectively displayed with approximatelyequal sizes. Further, a standard display position (an initial displayposition) is assigned to each key.

In this case, a Copy key 603, a ScanToSend (eMail/Fax) key 604, aScanToStore key 605, a StorePrint key 606, a StoreSend key 607, and atransmission address call key 608 are displayed.

The Copy key 603 is a key for performing a copy task for printing adocument image read from the scanner 2070 by the printer 2095. TheScanToSend (eMail/Fax) key 604 is a key for transmitting a documentimage read from the scanner 2070 via e-mail with attachment, or forperforming an e-mail/fax transmission task for facsimile transmission.

The ScanToStore key 605 is a key for performing a data store task forstoring a document image read from the scanner 2070 in the HDD 2004. TheStorePrint key 606 is a key for performing a print task for readingimage data stored in the HDD 2004 and printing the image data by theprinter 2095. The StoreSend key 607 is a key for performing a datatransmission task for reading image data stored in the HDD 2004 andtransmits the image data to an external apparatus via the network 1006.The transmission address call key 608 is a key for calling addressinformation which is a destination of an e-mail transmission, afacsimile transmission, or a data transmission.

A group of functions realized in the MFP 1001 or a composite functionobtained by arbitrarily combining the functions can be arranged on theoperation screen by preparing corresponding keys. Further, when all ofthe prepared keys cannot be displayed on the operation screen at thesame time, an image switch unit such as an image scroll key can beprovided and a suitable number of keys can be arranged for each image soas to operate each key. Further, a plurality of sub screens can beprepared and key groups belonging to a common category can be arrangedso as to operate each key.

In the display shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the CPU 2001 receivesa signal from a sensor of the document feeding unit 250 or a place-onsensor of the platen glass 211 to determine that a document is set onthe scanner 2070, the CPU 2001 refers to a priority determination tableshown in FIG. 6. The priority determination table is provided formanaging information which determines the priority of displays of keyscorresponding to tasks. In addition, the priority determination table isstored, for example, in the RAM 2002 or the HDD 2004.

Further, the priority determination table in the first embodimentmanages a flag for changing the priority of a display of a keycorresponding to each task. This management is carried out according toan operation status of the MFP 1001 for every task which can be used inthe MFP 1001.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 6, especially, various operationstatus items are provided for indicating the operation status. Forexample, items indicating a status when a document is set (“document”),a status when an external apparatus including a memory function isconnected (“memory”), and the like, are provided. In addition, as forthe item “memory”, it indicates a status that an external apparatusincluding a memory function is put on the device port or an externalapparatus is connected via a physical connection unit. However, inaddition to these statuses, when a user can use the HDD 2004 included inthe MFP 1001, it may be determined similarly that a memory is alreadyconnected. That is, the item “memory” may indicate a status that a usercan store and read image data in and from a predetermined memory.Further, flags (“1” or “0”) corresponding to the tasks are managed withrespect to each operation status item. More particularly, as for a taskin which the flag is “1”, when such an operation status occurs, aprocess for gradually changing (raising) the priority of display of akey corresponding to the task is performed.

Further, in the display shown in FIG. 5, when a document is set on thescanner 2070, the CPU 2001 refers to the priority determination table.As a result of the reference, the CPU 2001 selects tasks (Copy,ScanToSend, and ScanToStore) in which the flag of the operation statusitem “document” is “1”.

Then, the CPU 2001 raises, by one step, the priorities of display of thekeys corresponding to the selected tasks, and redraws (updates) adisplay content of the top menu 601. In this case, the CPU 2001 performsemphasis display control according to the priority of display of the keycorresponding to each task. For example, when a key is in the highpriority, the CPU 2001 performs emphasis display such as enlarging adisplay size of the key, displaying character information showing afunction name at a key top, or varying a display position of the key.The emphasis display means a display on which an operation control (anoperation item) targeted for operation can be easily distinguished fromthe other operation controls not targeted for operation.

More specifically, when a document is set on the scanner 2070, the topmenu 601 in the display form shown in FIG. 5 is redrawn to a top menu801 in the display form shown in FIG. 7. That is, the keys 603 to 605among the keys 603 to 608 corresponding to the tasks in FIG. 5 areredrawn to keys 803 to 805 in the display forms shown in FIG. 7. On theother hand, the keys 606 to 608 in FIG. 5 are maintained in the samedisplay forms as those in FIG. 5, as keys 806 to 808 shown in FIG. 7.

While the keys 603 to 605 are displayed with the standard display sizein FIG. 5, the keys 803 to 805 are displayed with a first display size,which is larger than the standard display size, in FIG. 7.

Further, in the display form in FIG. 7, when the document is removedfrom the scanner 2070, the priorities of display of the keys 801 to 803corresponding to the tasks which are emphasis-displayed are lowered andreturned to the original priorities. Thus, the display form returns tothe display form shown in FIG. 5.

Further, in the display form in FIG. 5, when an external apparatusincluding a memory function is connected (it is in a status that imagedata can be stored in a memory and image data can be read from thememory), the CPU 2001 refers to the priority determination table. As aresult of the reference, the CPU 2001 selects tasks (ScanToStore,StoreSend, and StorePrint) in which the flag of the operation statusitem “memory” is “1”.

Then, the CPU 2001 raises, by one step, the priorities of display of thekeys corresponding to the selected tasks, and redraws (updates) adisplay content of the top menu 601.

More particularly, when the status is that an access to a predeterminedmemory is possible, for example, when an external apparatus including amemory function is connected, the top menu 601 in the display form inFIG. 5 is redrawn to a top menu 901 in a display form in FIG. 8. Thatis, the keys 605 to 607 among the keys 603 to 608 corresponding to thetasks in FIG. 5 are redrawn to keys 905 to 907 shown in FIG. 8. On theother hand, the keys 603, 604, and 608 are maintained in the samedisplay forms as those in FIG. 5, as keys 903, 904, and 908 shown inFIG. 8.

In particular, the keys 605 to 607, which are displayed with thestandard display size in FIG. 5, are displayed with a first displaysize, which is larger than the standard display size, as keys 905 to 907in FIG. 8.

Further, in the display form in FIG. 8, when a document is set again onthe scanner 2070, the CPU 2001 refers to the priority determinationtable. In this case, the status is that the CPU 2001 can access a memoryand a document is set on the scanner 2070. Therefore, the CPU 2001selects a task (ScanToStore) in which the flag of the operation statusitem “document” is “1” and the flag of the operation status item“memory” is “1”.

In this case, since the flags are “1” with respect to two kinds ofoperation status items, the CPU 2001 rises, by two steps, the priorityof display of the key corresponding to the selected task and redraws(updates) the display content of the top menu 901.

More particularly, when a document is set on the scanner 2070 in thestatus that an access to a memory is possible with connection to anexternal apparatus including a memory function, the top menu 901 in thedisplay form in FIG. 8 is redrawn to a top menu 101 in the display formin FIG. 9. That is, the keys 903 to 908 corresponding to the tasks inFIG. 8 are redrawn to the display forms of keys 103 to 108 shown in FIG.9.

In FIG. 9, display sizes and display positions of the keys arecontrolled corresponding to the priorities before and after redrawing.

For example, the priority of display of the key 905 in FIG. 8 is raisedtwo steps, so that the display form of the key 905 is changed to adisplay form as the key 105 in FIG. 9. That is, since the key 905 has ahigher priority, the key 905 is changed to have a display size asillustrated in FIG. 9 (a second display size which is larger than thefirst display size) so as to be easily noted and easily visuallyconfirmed by a user. In this case, especially, the key 905 is displayedat a predetermined position of the top menu 101 (in this case, thecenter on the upper side, that is, the top display position) with alarger size than that of the other keys.

Since the priorities of display of the keys 906 and 907 are lowered onestep, the keys 906 and 907 are changed to the display forms as the keys106 and 107 shown in FIG. 9. That is, since the priorities of display ofthe keys 906 and 907 become lower than those in the display forms inFIG. 8, the display size is changed from the first display size to thestandard display size in the display form in FIG. 9. Further, thedisplay positions of the other keys including the keys 906 and 907 arechanged in accordance with the change of the display position of the key905.

In the display form in FIG. 9, when the connection is interrupted byremoving the external apparatus including a memory function from thedevice port, the display form is changed to the display form shown inFIG. 7. On the other hand, when the document is removed from the scanner2070, the display form is changed to the display form shown in FIG. 8.

In the first embodiment, the display of operation items (keys) foraccessing various task types which can be used in the MFP 1001 iscontrolled according to the operation status with respect to the MFP1001, as described above. That is, a task in which a user wishes toperform is estimated, and a display mode of a user interface is changedto support the task.

Display control processing performed in the first embodiment isdescribed below with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing display control processing in the firstembodiment of the present invention.

The display control processing is performed, for example, under thecontrol of the CPU 2001 using a control program stored, for example, inthe HDD 2004.

The control program is started at the time when a user is authenticatedby the authentication device 501 and an initial operation screencorresponding to the user is displayed. Under this control program, theMFP 1001 monitors that the following various event types occur or not,that is, an event occurring by an operation via the operation unit 2012,an event for detecting setting of a document on the scanner 2070, anevent for detecting connection of an external apparatus with theexternal I/F 2055, and the like.

Further, when a specific event occurs, display control processing forupdating a display content on an initial operation screen (FIG. 5)corresponding to a content of the event is performed.

First, it is determined whether an event has occurred or not in stepS101. When no event has occurred (NO in step S101), processing stands byuntil an event has occurred. On the other hand, when an event hasoccurred (YES in step S101), processing proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the priority determination table is referred to on thebasis of the event information indicating the event which has occurred.In step S103, the display content is updated, as described above, tochange the display size and the display position of each operation item(key) on the operation screen on the basis of a result of the reference.

In addition, the priority determination table can be pre-constructed. Aspecific set screen can be prepared so as to change the set content inthe priority determination table by the operation of a user at arbitrarytiming.

The task using a document is not limited to the above-described tasks.Various tasks can be prepared and added, that is, for example, a taskfor searching from an image obtained by scanning a document and acharacter string obtained by subjecting the image to characterrecognition processing, and the like. Further, a task from an externalmemory can be also added.

The event can include an event where a predetermined device is put on adevice port. For example, when the digital camera is put on the deviceport, a menu for printing and transmitting image data in the digitalcamera and writing the image data into a memory in the MFP 1001 isdisplayed. Further, when a cellular phone is put on the device port, amenu for printing and transmitting image data and e-mail data andwriting the data into a memory in the cellular phone, and a menu fortaking an address book in the cellular phone are displayed.

Further, the processing in FIG. 10 can also be performed in a secondembodiment which is described below.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operationstatus of an image processing apparatus is monitored and the priority ofan operation control (operation item) displayed on an operation unit isdetermined according to the operation status. Further, according to thepriority, the display mode of the operation control which is necessaryfor a user is emphasized. Thereby, the operation control which isnecessary for a user can be recognized at a glance. Thus, in an imageprocessing apparatus which can provide multiple functions, a user caneasily select an operation control for performing an intended function.

For example, when a document is detected, it can be inferred that a userwishes to perform a task relating to reading the document. When a memorycan be accessed, it can be inferred that a user wishes to perform a taskrelating to writing data to the memory and reading data from the memory.For example, when setting of a document is detected, it is in a statusthat a preparation for inputting image data is completed, and when amemory can be accessed, it is in a status that a preparation for thememory to receive the input image data is completed. Thus, it can beinferred that a user wishes to perform a task relating theabove-described statuses. Then, a user can be supported so as togenerate an instruction for performing a desired task on the basis ofthe result of these inferences. In addition, when a printer cannot beused, the display mode of an operation item for using the printer suchas a Copy button is not emphasized. Further, when a transmissionfunction cannot be operated, the display mode of an operation item forusing the transmission function is not emphasized. This processing isintended to prevent a user from selecting a task in which acceptance ofimage data is not yet prepared.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment has described the configuration in which thedisplay form of each operation control on the operation screen iscontrolled according to the type of an event (the operation status onthe apparatus) detected by the MFP 1001. However, the present inventionis not limited to this configuration.

The MFP 1001 may permit a user to use the MFP 1001 after authenticatingthe user. Further, in this case, the MFP 1001 can separately acquireschedule information, for every user, which indicates a plan (schedule)of a task which is used by the user.

The second embodiment describes a configuration in which the displayform of each operation control on the operation screen is controlledusing a priority determination table including the schedule informationof a user in addition to the items described in the first embodiment.That is, the display form of each operation control on the operationscreen is controlled according to a use status (a use schedule) of auser.

Hereinafter, portions similar to those in the first embodiment areomitted from the description, and only different portions are described.

In the second embodiment, the priority determination table has, forexample, a configuration shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, an item“schedule” for managing a flag with respect to a use schedule of eachtask is provided in addition to the operation status items in thepriority determination table shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

Then, when the MFP 1001 is installed at a base place such as a meetingroom in a company, the MFP 1001 can recognize the existence of a useschedule for every function thereof on the basis of the scheduleinformation of a user which is acquired separately. Thereby, the displayform of each operation control can be controlled according to the useschedule.

In addition, for example, the schedule information of a user is managedin the MFP 1001, or in a database server provided on a network.

For example, the schedule information has a configuration shown in FIG.12.

The schedule information shown in FIG. 12 includes a use date of a task(Date), a starting (Start)/ending (End) time of use, a meeting title(Title) where a user attends, and a link information (Link) foraccessing data which is a processing target by the MFP 1001.

Further, data information which indicates a storing destination ofactual data with respect to the link information exists. For example,the data information has a configuration shown in FIG. 13.

The data information illustrated in FIG. 13 includes an ID foridentifying data, address information (Home) indicating a storingdestination of the data, and an author (Author) of the data.

Further, using this information, the MFP 1001 can control the displayform of each operation control on the operation screen using theschedule information of a user, in addition to the configuration of thefirst embodiment.

A specific example of the operation will now be described.

When the MFP 1001 has succeeded in authenticating a user, the CPU 2001refers to the schedule information (FIG. 12). At this time, if the timeobtained from a clock in the MFP 1001 is, for example, 9:45 on April 8,the CPU 2001 recognizes, as a user status, that the meeting “PLANNINGMEETING OF PRODUCT OF THE NEXT GENERATION” will start within apredetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes).

Further, in this case, the CPU 2001 refers to the priority determinationtable. As a result of the reference, the CPU 2001 selects a task(StorePrint) in which a flag of the operation status item “schedule” is“1”. Then, the CPU 2001 raises, by one step, the priority of display ofa key corresponding to the selected task. At this time, it is decidedthat the display size of the key is changed to the first display sizefrom the standard display size.

In addition to this operation, the CPU 2001 refers to the datainformation (FIG. 13) using the link information in the scheduleinformation (FIG. 12). As a result of the reference, the CPU 2001determinates whether there is actual data in a data storing destination“¥¥Projects¥NextProducts¥Meeting¥NextDocs” which is indicated by theaddress information in the data information. If there is actual data,the CPU 2001 further raises, by one step, the priority of display of thekey corresponding to the task (StorePrint). That is, in this case, theCPU 2001 eventually raises, by two steps, the priority of display of thekey corresponding to the task (StorePrint). Thus, it is decided that thedisplay size of the key is changed from the standard display size to thefirst display size and, then, from the first display size to the seconddisplay size. Further, it is also decided that the display position ischanged to the top display position.

In this case, if the display content of the initial operation screen isin the display form shown in FIG. 5, the display content is changed tothe display content shown in FIG. 14. That is, the key 606 in FIG. 5 isredrawn to a key 231 in FIG. 14.

In particular, the key 231 in FIG. 14 is displayed with blinking where adisplay color is repeatedly changed between a priority color display anda standard color display, in addition to controlling the display sizeand the display position. Further, character information indicating ameeting title obtained from the schedule information is displayed in thekey 231.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the display formof each operation control on the operation screen is controlledaccording to a status of a user (a use schedule) who uses the apparatus.In the second embodiment, a key corresponding to a task scheduled to beused is changed to have a display form which can be easily noted by theuser. Thus, when the user uses the apparatus actually, the can find outan intended task more efficiently

Third Embodiment

The second embodiment has described the configuration in which thedisplay form of each operation control on the operation screen iscontrolled according to a use status (a use schedule) of a user.However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Forexample, an operation history of a user can be used as the use status ofa user, and the display form of each operation control on the operationscreen can be controlled according to this use status.

In this case, for example, the operation of a user who has used in thepast is, for example, an operation in which a user searched for desiredimage data and temporarily stored the image data in a memory such as theHDD 2004 (a data search function as a task). In addition, image data tobe searched for by the data search function is managed, for example, inan external apparatus including a memory function or an externalapparatus on a network. When the user operates the MFP 1001 to controlthe external apparatus, the user can perform the data search function.

Further, after performing the data search function, the user canauthentically store and print the image data (a temporarily storeddocument) stored in the memory, such as the HDD 2004, at another time.Further, as a task for realizing these functions, there are aPendingStore (authentically storing a temporarily stored document) and aPendingPrint (printing a temporarily stored document).

Thus, a third embodiment describes a configuration in which a final taskis completed at a different time.

In addition, hereinafter, portions similar to those in the first andsecond embodiments are omitted from the description, and only differentportions are described.

In the configuration of the third embodiment, for example, the prioritydetermination table has a configuration shown in FIG. 15. In the thirdembodiment, an item of “Temporarily Stored Document” for managing a flagwith respect to a temporarily stored document, which is temporarilystored by the operation performed by a user in the past, is provided inaddition to the operation status items in the priority determinationtable in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the MFP 1001 keeps a history information managementtable for managing history information of an operation (a task) forevery user. The history information of an operation is generated by theoperation by a user who used the MFP 1001 in the past. For example, thehistory information has a configuration shown in FIG. 16.

The history information illustrated in FIG. 16 includes a date and time(Date, Time) when a task was generated, a set content of a task(JobSetting), and an image processing apparatus (Machine) whichperformed task processing. In this case, the set content of a taskincludes operation types (copy, print, and data search), and setinformation. In the case of the copy, the set information includes thenumber of copies made, two-sided/one-sided copy, staple, and the like.In the case of the print, the set information includes the number ofprints made, N-up print specification, and the like. In the case of thedata search, the set information includes search conditions, a storingdestination of search results, and the like.

Further, in the third embodiment, it is possible to recognize whether auser performed processing for generating a temporarily stored documentin the past, on the basis of the history information. Thus, the displayform of each operation control can be controlled according to theexistence of the temporarily stored document.

In addition, although the history information is generally managed inthe MFP 1001, the history information can be managed in a data server ona network. Thus, various MFPs can share the history information.

The MFP 1001 can control the display form of each operation control onthe operation screen using the history information, in addition to theconfiguration of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation is described specifically.

When the MFP 1001 has succeeded in authenticating a user, the CPU 2001refers to the history information management table. Existence of atemporarily stored document by the data research function is determinedbased on the history information in the history information managementtable. When a temporarily stored document exists, the CPU 2001 refers tothe priority determination table. As a result of the reference, the CPU2001 selects tasks (PendingStore and PendingPrint) in which a flag ofthe operation status item “Temporarily Stored Document” is “1”. Then,the CPU 2001 raises, be one step, the priorities of display of keyscorresponding to the selected tasks.

In this case, when the display content of the initial operation screenis in the display form in FIG. 5, the display content is changed to havea display form in FIG. 17. In addition, in FIG. 5, a key correspondingto the task (the data search function) for generating “TemporarilyStored Document” is not illustrated. However, it is assumed that the keyis illustrated with the standard display size like the other keys.Further, the standard display size of these keys is changed to a displaysize of keys 321 and 322 shown in FIG. 17, and character informationindicating operations intended by the user is displayed in the keys 321and 322.

When the user operates the key 321 corresponding to the taskPendingStore on the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 17, atemporarily stored document is read from the storing destinationindicated by “Result=¥¥UserG¥20050801131517” in the history informationillustrated in FIG. 16. Then, the read temporarily stored document isstored in the storing destination designated by the user. Further, whenthe user operates the key 322 corresponding to the task PendingPrint, atemporarily stored document is read from the storing destinationindicated by “Result=¥¥UserG¥20050801131517” in the history informationshown in FIG. 16. Then, the read temporarily stored document is printedusing a printing method designated by the user.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a taskperformed in the past by a user has high possibility to be used inanother task after that, the display form of each operation control onthe operation screen is controlled according to the use status (the useschedule) of a user using the apparatus. In the third embodimentespecially, a key corresponding to a task having possibility to be usednext time is changed to have a display form which can easily be noted bya user. The task having possibility to be used next time is selectedfrom among the tasks used in the past. Thus, when the user uses theapparatus, the user can find out an intended task more efficiently.

Fourth Embodiment

The second and third embodiments have described configurations in whichthe display form of each operation control on the operation screen iscontrolled according to the use status (the use schedule) of a user.However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Forexample, an operation of another user may be used as the use status of auser so as to control the display form of each operation control on theoperation screen according to the use status. In this case, theoperation of another user corresponds to the operation of a userdescribed in the third embodiment.

In the following description portions similar to those in the first andsecond embodiments are omitted, and only different portions aredescribed.

In the configuration according to the fourth embodiment, for example,the priority determination table has a configuration shown in FIG. 18.In the fourth embodiment, an item “External Association” for managing aflag with respect to the operation of another user is provided inaddition to the operation status items in the priority determinationtable in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the MFP 1001 keeps an external associationinformation management table for managing external associationinformation indicating an operation of each user who has used the MFP1001. For example, the external association information has aconfiguration shown in FIG. 19.

The external association information illustrated in FIG. 19 includes auser name or a user ID for specifying each user, a operation content ofthe user (Event), and address information indicating a storingdestination of data to be processed by the operation content (Detail).In addition, the external association information includes a flagindicating an external association target (External Association Target:“1”, External Association Non-target: “0”).

In addition, “StoreDocument” which is the operation content in FIG. 19indicates that another user stored image data in an external apparatuson a network or in a predetermined folder in the MFP 1001. Further,“ReadDocument” indicates that another user referred to image data in thepredetermined folder.

In an example shown in FIG. 19, it can be seen that a User A storedimage data in “¥¥Projects¥NextProducts¥Meeting¥NextDocs”. On the otherhand, it can be seen that a User B referred to image data in“¥¥Projects¥NextProducts¥Meeting¥NextDocs”. At this time, another usercan perform, in cooperation, another processing with respect to theimage data stored in the folder by the operation of the User A. In sucha case, the flag in the external association information managementtable is set to “1”.

Further, when the above-described information is used, the MFP 1001 cancontrol the display form of each operation control on the operationscreen using the external association information with respect toanother user in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation is described specifically.

First, when the MFP 1001 has succeeded in authenticating a user, the CPU2001 refers to the external association information management table.The CPU 2001 determines whether an operation content by another user isthe external association target based on the external associationinformation in the external association information management table.The determination is performed on the basis of the flag in the externalassociation information management table. When a task to be externallyassociated exists as a result of the determination, the CPU 2001 refersto the priority determination table. As a result of the reference, theCPU 2001 selects a task (StorePrint) in which a flag of the operationstatus item “External Association” is “1”. Then, the CPU 2001 raises, byone step, the priority of display of a key corresponding to the selectedtask.

In this case, when the display content of the initial operation screenis in the display form in FIG. 5, the display content is changed to havea display form in FIG. 20 from the display form in FIG. 5. At this time,the key 606 in FIG. 5 is changed to have a display size of a key 421illustrated in FIG. 20, and character information for guiding anintended operation by a user is displayed in the key 421.

When the user operates the key 421 corresponding to the task“StorePrint” on the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 20, the userrefers to a storing destination indicated by“¥¥Projects¥NextProducts¥Meeting¥NextDocs” in the external associationinformation illustrated in FIG. 18. Further, as a result of thereference, a stored document list is displayed in the order of newstoring time, and the user can instruct printing a desired storeddocument.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when a task by auser has high possibility to be used as a task by another user, thedisplay form of each operation control on the operation screen iscontrolled according to the status of a user using the apparatus. In thefourth embodiment, especially, a key corresponding to a task havingpossibility to be used by another user (a task having possibility to beused in cooperation between users) is changed to have a display formwhich can easily be noted by a user. The task having possibility to beused by another user is selected from among the tasks used in the pastby a certain user. Thus, when a user uses the apparatus, the user canfind out a desired task more efficiency.

Fifth Embodiment

The first to fourth embodiments have described the configuration inwhich the display form of each operation control on the operation screenis controlled on the basis of the priority determination table and eachstatus type such as the operation status and the user status withrespect to the MFP 1001. However, it can be supposed that theabove-described controlling of the display form is unnecessary accordingto the application and objective.

Thus, a fifth embodiment describes a configuration in which after thedisplay form of each operation control on the operation screen isupdated once, the display form is returned to the original display form.That is, this embodiment describes a configuration for canceling thecontrol of the display form of the operation control based on thepriority, which is described in the first to fourth embodiments.

This cancellation can be realized, for example, by providing acancellation key 501 on the operation screen as illustrated in FIG. 21.FIG. 21 has a configuration in which the cancellation key 501 isarranged on the operation screen shown in FIG. 17 in the thirdembodiment. Further, when the cancellation key 501 is operated, thedisplay form is returned to have the operation screen displayed beforebeing updated. In this case, the display form in FIG. 21 is returned tothe display form in FIG. 5.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when the displaycontrol is performed as described in the first to fourth embodiments,the display form can be returned to the operation screen in the standarddisplay status if necessary. It is effective when a user performs a taskother than the task based on detection of an event.

In addition, the display form on the operation screen described in eachof the first to fifth embodiments is an example, and various displaycontrol operations can be performed according to the application andobjective. That is, as for the display position, the display size, thedisplay color, and the blinking display of an operation control, thedisplay size or the display position can be periodically changed, thecolor-coded display can be performed, a colored frame can be attached toan outer frame of the operation control, or a shadow can be attached tothe back of the operation control. In addition, in the abovedescription, the displays of the keys having low priorities are notchanged. However, the keys having low priorities can be changed to havesmall displays so as to emphasize the keys having high priorities. Inaddition, a gray-out display or a display/non-display control can beperformed on the operation items having low priorities. If a user can beeasily guided to an intended task, any suitable display mode can beused.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the operation screen isdisplayed on the operation unit which is provided in the MFP 1001.However, a display apparatus provided separately from the MFP 1001 canbe used if it can detect an event of the MFP 1001 and can be used tooperate the MFP 1001.

Further, each above-described embodiment can be realized independently,and an embodiment implemented by arbitrary combining the above-describedembodiments can be realized according to the application and objective.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the presentinvention includes an embodiment being as, for example, a system, anapparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium. More particularly,the present invention can be applied to a system having a plurality ofdevices or an apparatus having a single device. Further, an internalconfiguration of each apparatus can be implemented by suitably combininga mechanized configuration, hardware, and software.

In addition, the present invention provides a program of software (aprogram corresponding to a flow chart shown in the drawings in theembodiments), which can realize the functions of the above-describedembodiments, to a system or an apparatus directly or remotely. Further,the present invention includes a case where a computer of the system orthe apparatus can read the provided program code and execute it.

Therefore, the program code itself realizes the present invention. Theprogram code is installed into the computer in order to realize thefunction processing of the present invention. That is, the presentinvention includes the computer program itself for realizing thefunction processing thereof.

In this case, as for the computer program, any type of program, such asobject code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script datasupplied to an OS, can be used, if it has a function of a program.

As for the storage medium for supplying a program, for example, aflexible disk, a hard disk, or an optical disk, can be used.Furthermore, the storage medium includes a magnetic-optical disk, an MOdisk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memorycard, a ROM, and a DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R).

Further, as for a supplying method of a program, the program can besupplied by the steps of connecting a client computer to a website onthe Internet using a browser of the client computer, and downloading acomputer program itself of the present invention or a compressed fileincluding an automatic installation function to a storage medium such asa hard disk from the website of the connecting destination. Further, theprogram can be supplied by the steps of dividing the program code forconstructing the program of the present invention to a plurality offiles, and downloading each program from different websites. That is,the present invention also includes a WWW server which enables theprogram file to be downloaded to a plurality of users, where the programfile is provided for realizing the function processing of the presentinvention by the computer.

Further, the program can be supplied by the steps of encrypting theprogram of the present invention storing the encrypted program in astorage medium such a CD-ROM, supplying the CD-ROM to users, making theusers, who cleared predetermined conditions, to download the keyinformation for canceling the encryption from the website via theInternet, making the users to perform the encrypted program using thekey information, and installing the program to the computer by theusers.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realizedby making the computer to perform the read program. Further, an OSrunning on the computer performs a part or the whole of actualprocessing on the basis of the instruction of the program, and thefunctions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by thisprocessing.

Furthermore, the program read from the storage medium is written into amemory which is included in a function expansion board inserted into thecomputer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, aCPU, which is included in the function expansion board or the functionexpansion unit, performs a part or the whole of the actual processing,and thereby, the functions of the above-described embodiments can berealized by this processing.

Accordingly, the present invention can provide an image processingapparatus, a control method, and a program thereof which can facilitateeasily and efficiency performing an operation for performing eachfunction provided in the apparatus.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multifunction peripheral capable of connectingto an external storage, the multifunction peripheral comprising: adisplay; a print unit; a scan unit to read a document; a processor; anda memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor,causes the multifunction peripheral to: display a menu screen, on thedisplay, the menu screen including objects each for receiving anoperation for causing the multifunction peripheral from a user toperform a function of the multifunction peripheral, the objectsincluding a first object and a second object, in a case where anexternal storage is not connected to the multifunction peripheral,display the first object and the second object displayed on the menuscreen in a first display, and in a case where the external storage isconnected to the multifunction peripheral, change a display of the firstobject and a display of the second object on the menu screen from thefirst display to a second display, the first object and the secondobject displayed in the second display being able to receive theoperation of the user, wherein each of the first object and the secondobject represents a function using the external storage, wherein thefirst object is an object that receives an operation reading out imagedata stored in the external storage connected to the multifunctionperipheral and printing the read-out image data using the print unit,and wherein the second object is an object that receives an operationfor storing the image data scanned by the scan unit in the externalstorage connected to the multifunction peripheral.
 2. The multifunctionperipheral according to claim 1, wherein the display displays the menuscreen having a software key as the second object to receive anoperation to store the image data generated by reading of the documentas one of software keys displayed in the menu screen for causing themultifunction peripheral to perform a plurality of functionsrespectively, in a case where the external storage is connected to themultifunction peripheral.
 3. The multifunction peripheral according toclaim 1, wherein the instructions further causes the multifunctionperipheral to obtain user information for specifying a user who uses themultifunction peripheral, and wherein the display displays the menuscreen based on the obtained user information.
 4. The multifunctionperipheral according to claim 1, wherein the display of the first objectand the second object after changing the display of the first object andthe second object are larger in size than the first object and thesecond object before changing the display of the first object and thesecond object.
 5. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,wherein the display of the first object and the second object beforechanging the display of the first object and the second object is grayedout.
 6. A method for a multifunction peripheral having a display, aprint unit and a scan unit to read a document and being capable ofconnecting to an external storage, the method comprising: displaying amenu screen, on the display, the menu screen including objects each forreceiving an operation for causing the multifunction peripheral from auser to perform a function of the multifunction peripheral, the objectsincluding a first object and a second object, in a case where theexternal storage is not connected to the multifunction peripheral,display the first object and the second object displayed on the menuscreen in a first display, and in a case where the external storage isconnected to the multifunction peripheral, change a display of the firstobject and a display of the second object on the menu screen from thefirst display to a second display, the first object and the secondobject displayed in the second display being able to receive theoperation of the user, wherein each of the first object and the secondobject represents a function using the external storage, wherein thefirst object is an object that receives an operation reading out imagedata stored in the external storage connected to the multifunctionperipheral and printing the read-out image data using the print unit,and wherein the second object is an object that receives an operationfor storing the image data scanned by the scan unit in the externalstorage connected to the multifunction peripheral.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the displaying displays the menu screenhaving a software key as the second object to receive an operation tostore the image data generated by reading of the document as one ofsoftware keys displayed in the menu screen for causing the multifunctionperipheral to perform a plurality of functions respectively, in a casewhere the external storage is connected to the multifunction peripheral.8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising obtaining userinformation for specifying a user who uses the multifunction peripheral,wherein the displaying displays the menu screen based on the obtaineduser information.
 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein thedisplay of the first object and the second object after changing thedisplay of the first object and the second object is larger in size thanthe display of the first object and the second object before changingthe display of the first object and the second object.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the display of the first object and thesecond object before changing the display of the first object and thesecond object is grayed out.
 11. A non-transitory computer readablestorage medium storing a computer-executable program of instructions forcausing a computer to perform a method for a multifunction peripheralhaving a display, a print unit and a scan unit to read a document andbeing capable of connecting to an external storage, the methodcomprising: displaying a menu, on the display, the menu screen includingobjects each for receiving an operation for causing the multifunctionperipheral from a user to perform a function of the multifunctionperipheral, the objects including a first object and a second object, ina case where an external storage is not connected to the multifunctionperipheral, display the first object and the second object displayed onthe menu screen in a first display, and in a case where the externalstorage is connected to the multifunction peripheral, change a displayof the first object and a display of the second object on the menuscreen from the first display to a second display, the first object andthe second object displayed in the second display being able to receivethe operation of the user, wherein each of the first object and thesecond object represents a function using the external storage, whereinthe first object is an object that receives an operation for reading outimage data stored in the external storage connected to the multifunctionperipheral and printing the read-out image data using the print unit,and wherein the second object is an object that receives an operationfor storing the image data scanned by the scan unit in the externalstorage connected to the multifunction peripheral.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 11,wherein the displaying displays the menu screen having a software key asthe second object to receive an operation to store the image datagenerated by reading of the document as one of software keys displayedin the menu screen for causing the multifunction peripheral to perform aplurality of functions respectively, in a case where the externalstorage is connected to the multifunction peripheral.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 11,further comprising obtaining user information for specifying a user whouses the multifunction peripheral, wherein the displaying displays themenu screen based on the obtained user information.
 14. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 11,wherein the display of the first object and the second object afterchanging the display of the first object and the second object is largerin size than the display of the first object and the second objectbefore changing the display of the first object and the second object.15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according toclaim 11, wherein the display of the first object and the second objectbefore changing the display of the first object and the second object isgrayed out.
 16. A multifunction peripheral capable of connecting to anexternal storage, the multifunction peripheral comprising: a display; aprint unit; a scan unit to read a document; a controller including aprocessor and a memory; wherein the controller is configured to displaya menu screen, on the display, the menu screen including objects eachfor receiving an operation for causing the multifunction peripheral froma user to perform a function of the multifunction peripheral, theobjects including a first object and a second object, in a case where anexternal storage is not connected to the multifunction peripheral,display the first object and the second object displayed on the menuscreen in a first display, and in a case where the external storage isconnected to the multifunction peripheral, change a display of the firstobject and a display of the second object on the menu screen from thefirst display to a second display, the first object and the secondobject displayed in the second display being able to receive theoperation of the user, wherein each of the first object and the secondobject represents a function using the external storage, wherein thefirst object is an object that receives an operation reading out imagedata stored in the external storage connected to the multifunctionperipheral and printing the read-out image data using the print unit,and wherein the second object is an object that receives an operationfor storing the image data scanned by the scan unit in the externalstorage connected to the multifunction peripheral.